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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who finally admits that Carpenter is a detective to Vic?

2. Who does Vic call to terminate the services of Carpenter?

3. Where do Don Wilson and his wife move in Part IV?

4. What does Vic want to buy for Trixie in Part IV?

5. Who starts making calls to say he thinks Vic had something to do with De Lisle's death?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Vic never feel after killing De Lisle?

2. What does Tony propose for dinner that makes Vic very angry?

3. What does Horace tell Vic he suspects about Carpenter?

4. What does Meller tell Vic that Melinda said at his party in Vic's absence?

5. In Part III, who tries to help Melinda prove Vic is a killer besides the private investigator?

6. What inspires Brian's new poem?

7. What are both Vic and Melinda happy to hear about Trixie?

8. What does Vic decide to do for Trixie in Part IV that Melinda objects to?

9. What does Melinda tell Trixie about De Lisle's death?

10. Who does Vic realize is paying for the private investigator?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How would you describe Highsmith's tone and language throughout this novel? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 2

How does Highsmith use the character Trixie to highlight or explain certain aspects of Vic's character? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 3

Why does Vic begin telling people he murdered McRae, and how does his decision to do so affect the course of the plot? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 475 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample